Is Ed Grier Retiring from Disney?
- Monday, October 5, 2009, 11:56
- Blog, Disneyland, Disneyland, News
- 418 views
- 1 comment
Greg McNaughten
Ed Grier Retires
A few minutes ago my phone was abuzz with news from Disneyland castmembers claiming Ed Grier, President of Disneyland is retiring. Ed has been President of Disneyland since taking over for Matt Ouimet in July 2006.
I have been checking all the news sources and so far nothing has turned up. The typical Disney Rumor websites have also sprang alive with the information. I only bring it to you now as a heads up for what might be another Disney Executive leaving Disney a mist what seems to be a very Eisner like purge being executed by Disney CEO Bob Iger.
Just a week after a Dick Cook gave a impressive presentation that included such guests as Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp at D23 to thousands of fans, Bob Iger came down hard on Dick Cook and said he was moving the Studio in a different direction. This move has sparked the rumor web sites to report Johnny Depp is considering not taking part as the legendary Jack Sparrow in the next installment of Pirates of the Caribbean . This rumor has not been substantiated at this time.
What this might mean for Disneyland is unknown at this time. Many fans and castmembers have been grumbling for years that Ed Grier is a media hound who only goes into the parks when the cameras and lights are on. Before arriving in Anaheim to be Disneyland’s President, Grier served as executive managing director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan. In Japan he supervised Disney operations for the Tokyo Disney Resort and the day-to-day relationship with the Oriental Land Company, which owns the property.
Grier has also held executive positions at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort Paris in France. At the Florida resort, he served as general manager for the operation lines of business at the Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios theme parks.
More importantly, who is next in line to run Walt’s Original Magic Kingdom in Anaheim, CA.
About the Author
Greg McNaughten has written 29 stories on this site.
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It’s been confirmed. The official announcement to Cast Members -
A Message from Ed Grier: Thank you
10/05/2009
Dear Fellow Cast Members,
Here at the Disneyland Resort, I have had the pleasure of leading a talented and dedicated Cast. I have been humbled and honored during the past three years as I’ve watched your hard work create smiles and laughter, and delight our Guests. The power of Disney magic never ceases to amaze me, and your passion will always be a source of inspiration.
My decision to retire from the Walt Disney Company was not an easy decision; Disney has been my home for nearly three decades. As with any family, I’ve watched it grow and evolve. The past year also has been a time for growth and change in my own family.
One defining moment came when my wife and I moved our youngest son into his dorm at Stanford this fall. It was an opportunity to reflect on the past, and consider the next chapter of our own lives. I have had a long and rewarding career with the Walt Disney Company, and am excited to explore what’s next.
Disney has taken my family on an extraordinary ride around the world – from Orlando to Paris, Tokyo and Anaheim – and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
While I look forward to the opportunities ahead, I will greatly miss the many friends and Cast Members I have met along the way. Thank you for the enthusiasm, energy and encouragement you have always provided. It has been my pleasure and privilege to be part of your team.